THE KANSAS CITY STAR: Star series sparks avalanche of HOA horror stories, plus some plaudits

By Judy L. Thomas

August 12, 2016

Julie and Irl Copley have had some minor run-ins with their homeowners association since building their brick house on a spacious two-acre lot in Olathe 14 years ago.

But nothing like the clash over a ramp they recently built for a disabled foster child — without first getting approval from the association.

Now the Copleys and the HOA are at a standoff.

In the week since The Kansas City Star published aseries on homes associations, readers — including the Copleys — have responded in full force. Hundreds of phone calls and emails have poured in from across the country as homeowners have shared stories about struggles with their HOAs.

Several activists andHOA reformerssaid they, too, have heard from many people seeking advice about problems they’ve encountered with their associations.

The Star’s series found that homes associations wield far more power than homeowners realize and thatsome actually torment the residentsthey’re supposed to support. HOA boards are run by volunteers who often have little training, which can lead to alack of adequate funding, neighborhood strife and even violence, the series found. Read more: